Puget Sound Energy substation project

Maxwelton substation and transmission line projects

Winter 2015 project updates

We are in the process of redesigning and permitting the rebuild of the transmission line on its existing route (on Craw, Maxwelton, and Midvale Roads).

We are also in the process of designing and permitting the underground conversion of existing overhead distribution circuits on Craw Rd and portions of Maxwelton Rd.

Substation permitting is near completion and construction is planned for 2015 or 2016 when it can be coordinated with a transmission line rebuild and distribution line undergrounding.

Project overview

To increase reliability for our customers on South Whidbey Island, Puget Sound Energy plans to construct a new 25 megavolt amperes (MVA) substation and upgrade and relocate two sections of our existing 115 kilovolt (kV) transmission line to a new location along State Route 525.

Re-routing these exist transmission line will provide better access for repair crews and gain more protection from tree-related outages. The new substation will serve the south Whidbey Island communities of Langley, Clinton and Freeland, and act as a back-up to our Brooks Hill and Langley substations. PSE will also install underground distribution lines to connect to the Brooks Hill and Langley substations; and aging wood transmission poles will be replaced on Craw, Maxwelton and Midvale Roads. This is a multi-year construction effort that will be built in phases.

2010 projects In 2010, we rebuilt and relocated two miles of our existing 115 kV transmission line from the intersection of SR 525 and Coles Rd to a point along our existing transmission line near the intersection of SR 525 and Useless Bay Ave.

2011-2014 projects PSE will relocate 1.2 miles of existing 115 kV transmission line from the intersection of SR 525 and Coles Rd to a point along our existing transmission line near the intersection of SR 525 and Midvale Rd.

At the southeast corner of Coles Rd and SR 525, PSE will build the new Maxwelton substation and underground distribution lines to connect the Brooks Hill and Langley substations.

What is a substation?

Substations are critical links in the electricity distribution system, containing utility circuit protection, voltage regulation, and equipment that steps down higher voltage to lower voltage. Before reaching homes and businesses, power is routed through our transmission system to a substation where it is changed to a lower voltage that can be utilized by customers.

What is a transmission line?

Transmission lines are key elements in the electrical distribution system. These lines safely transport high voltage electricity from power generation sources like dams and wind generating facilities to substations in local communities. Transmission normally takes place at voltages of 55 kV and higher.

Committed to keeping you informed

PSE will continue to provide updates to the community. We will notify residents and businesses near the project area when construction will occur. We aim to complete the work with as little disruption as possible.